Josh Miller: Co-founder & CEO of The Browser Company
Sep 12, 2023
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Josh Miller, co-founder and CEO of The Browser Company, discusses web browsers, the future of computing, and the company's unique ethos. They explore the financial incentive holding back innovation in web browsers and the vision for the future of computers, including the shift to the cloud. They also discuss pursuing public spaces, embracing the flow of life, and the importance of humility and staying curious.
The Browser Company aims to redefine the web browser by focusing on creativity and a consumer-focused approach, in contrast to the conservative approach of larger technology companies.
Josh Miller emphasizes the importance of pursuing ideas that evoke passion and excitement, as they lead to more fulfilling and successful entrepreneurial endeavors.
Deep dives
The Inspiration Behind the Browser Company
Josh Miller, co-founder and CEO of the browser company, discusses the origins of the idea for a new web browser. He shares three key moments that shaped his vision: a conversation about the state of technology and its potential for change, the observation of creative and innovative software based on web browsers, and a realization during a walk in Switzerland about the web browser's role as an operating system. These moments led to the creation of the browser company, aiming to redefine the web browser with creativity and a consumer-focused approach.
The Incentives Holding Back Web Browsers
Miller explains that the world's largest technology companies, like Google and Apple, view web browsers as tools to drive traffic and generate revenue through search ads. This leads to a conservative approach to browser innovation, focusing on maintaining profit margins rather than reimagining the browser itself. Economic incentives and pressures from Wall Street make it challenging for browser teams to introduce changes that could potentially affect search behavior negatively. Miller highlights the importance of understanding these dynamics when considering why the web browser has remained relatively unchanged for so long.
Following Passion and Emotions in Entrepreneurship
Miller shares how his decision to start the browser company was driven by emotion and the desire to work with a close friend and favorite collaborators. He emphasizes the importance of enjoying the journey and feeling excited about the work rather than solely relying on rational decision-making. Miller believes that pursuing ideas that evoke genuine passion and enthusiasm leads to more fulfilling and successful entrepreneurial endeavors.
Reimagining the Future of Computing with Arc
Miller envisions a future where the browser evolves into an internet computer, a platform that seamlessly integrates with different devices and screen sizes. He highlights the ongoing shift to cloud-based applications and files, emphasizing that the browser should serve as a platform for users' tools and content. Miller aims for the browser company's product, Arc, to become the future's defining computer experience, providing users with a unified and customizable interface that transcends traditional hardware boundaries.
Josh Miller is the co-founder and CEO of The Browser Company. Previously Josh was an investor at Thrive Capital, Director of Product at the White House, and the co-founder and CEO of Branch, which was acquired by Facebook.
Our conversation covered web browsers, the future of computing, and The Browser Company’s unique ethos.
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Moth Minds is a podcast where Molly Mielke of Moth Fund interviews high-agency humans.
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